Smallholder Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs) from across the globe will share the innovative solutions they are implementing in response to the COVID-19 crisis to build more resilient communities. For example, the pandemic has put a strain on forests as places of leisure and refuge from urban life, increased pressure on ecosystem preservation services, and delivered a shock to the timber industry. In order to prevent extreme disruption from future crises or pandemics, actions taken now must build long-term, multi-dimensional resilience. Combating desertification and saving our forests may save us from the next pandemic.